Ash Wednesday
The Latest
Church floor in Philippines collapses on Ash Wednesday, killing 1 and injuring dozens
Witnesses reportedly heard a loud noise and then screams from the people who fell from the balcony and from some... Read more
Pope Francis on Ash Wednesday: ‘Let us return to God with all our heart’
The Lord is inviting us to “remove the masks we so often wear” and to see ourselves as we truly... Read more
10 important things to know about Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, which is structured to spiritually prepare to walk with the Lord through his... Read more
Ash Wednesday: Leave the ashes on or wash them off?
“There is no minimum time” established to wear the ashes on the forehead or head, and they can serve as... Read more
5 ways to observe St. Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday
A seminarian from Chile offers couples some advice for marking both days on Feb. 14. Read more
How to honor Valentine’s Day on Ash Wednesday
This year, Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine’s Day. But the two days don’t need to be completely at odds with... Read more
Pope Francis to preside at Ash Wednesday Mass and traditional procession in Rome
Pope Francis will preside at the Mass and the traditional Ash Wednesday procession on Feb. 14 on Aventine Hill in... Read more
Pope Francis on Ash Wednesday: Free yourself ‘from the dictatorship of full schedules’
“This,” the pope said, “is the favorable time to be converted, to stop looking at ourselves and to start looking... Read more
Where do Ash Wednesday ashes come from?
“Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Read more
Pope Francis on Ash Wednesday: Lent is about eternal rewards, not appearances
The pope’s homily was read by Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Read more
Pope Francis on Ash Wednesday: Lent is a time for conversion and interior renewal
The pope was speaking at his Wednesday general audience. Read more
Pope Francis cancels Ash Wednesday Mass, trip to Florence due to knee pain
The Holy See press office said the pope was suffering from ‘acute gonalgia.’ Read more
Pope Francis’ Lenten message: Addiction to digital media can hurt human relationships
"May the corporal fasting to which Lent calls us fortify our spirit for the battle against sin,” Pope Francis said. Read more
Pope Francis on Ash Wednesday: Lent is a journey from slavery to freedom
The 40 days of Lent are an opportunity to turn from the slavery of sin to the freedom found in... Read more
Ash Wednesday 2021: Vatican offers guidance on ash distribution amid COVID-19 pandemic
The Vatican gave guidance Tuesday about how priests can distribute ashes on Ash Wednesday 2021 amid the coronavirus pandemic. Read more
Wear black to protest anti-Christian violence, Nigerian Catholics told
The bishops of Nigeria told the nation’s Catholics to wear black on Ash Wednesday to protest the ongoing persecution of... Read more
Pope Francis on Ash Wednesday: Confession purifies hearts
Before going to confession, Pope Francis recommended, people should stand in front of the Crucifix and contemplate Christ on the... Read more
'Repent and accept the Gospel' Trumps say in Ash Wednesday statement
“This powerful and sacred tradition reminds us of our shared mortality, Christ’s saving love, and the need to repent and... Read more
Utah school apologizes after student forced to remove Lenten ashes
A school district in Utah has issued an apology after a fourth-grade student was told by a teacher that he... Read more
Ash Wednesday liturgies held on Capitol Hill
Catholic members of Congress participated in the tradition Lenten practice of receiving ashes at the Capitol Wednesday. During the liturgy,... Read more
